Qyburn always had a smile on his lips; he looked like a kind old man.
After a moment of silence, he mused, "Lord Glynn, you're suspicious because of an abnormal reaction, correct? If possible, please describe it as thoroughly as you can."
He paused, then added, "You've been riding all this way, the scent on you must have long dissipated."
Glynn nodded slightly and said, "First, I smelled a fragrance; it was very unique and alluring, making me involuntarily deepen my breath."
Qyburn nodded thoughtfully, and Glynn continued, "Next, my body quickly entered a state of arousal—too quickly. This wasn't a normal speed."
Glynn paused again and added, "Most importantly, my heart was instantly filled with desire, or rather, I suddenly lost all other ability to think, as if the world was left with only her and me. I could see that world was orange, a fiery orange, both warm and damp."
Qyburn's slightly cloudy eyes brightened a fraction. He pointed to his head and asked, "Do you remember the key to how you managed to clear your mind?"
Glynn nodded slightly: "It was the sword, my Valyrian steel sword. My body acted before my mind; my hand touched it."
Qyburn smiled and said, "You have a strong warrior's heart. A warrior's instinct led you out of the illusion."
Glynn murmured, "A shattering sound... So, did I encounter magic?"
Qyburn shook his head, again pointing to his head. He said gently, "Wine can also cause hallucinations; it's not necessarily magic. Anything that doesn't exist in the real world can be called an illusion."
He pinched his fingers: "Based on your description and your current condition, I'm more inclined to believe you were affected by an aphrodisiac."
He smiled: "As far as I know, most nobles in the Summer Isles are keen on pleasures of the bed. They treat the release of desire as a ritual to honor the gods (Chapter 186). Therefore, they are also enthusiastic about researching aphrodisiacs. In this regard, some say we are like savages in furs compared to them."
He shrugged: "Over time, such things flowed into Essos, and it is more precious than gold."
After speaking, Qyburn paused. He suddenly asked, "Please forgive me, can you tell me... her identity? This would help me find a more accurate answer for you."
On the other side, Tyrion stood on a wooden chair, hands propped on the back, listening with great interest.
Glynn glanced at the two, nodded, and said, "I can only tell you she is a dangerous woman. As for the rest... if you knew more, I would have no choice but to send you to meet the stranger."
As Glynn's words fell, Tyrion stretched out a hand and exclaimed dramatically, "Qyburn, you must trust your wisdom!"
Glynn cast a sidelong glance at Tyrion and said to Qyburn, "Just tell me, was it magic, or powder?"
Qyburn cleared his throat, paused, and said, "Powder, or rather, a little trick. I've heard that some people in Essos are skilled at using various powders to perform so-called 'magic.' The powders they carry can change the color of flames, make flames roar, cause them to leap up, or create smoke."
He added, "Rumor has it that it can also make people involuntarily speak the truth, instill fear, and among them, one type can incite desire."
He gestured with his fingers: "A tiny bit can do it, our eyes can barely detect it. Perhaps its biggest drawback is that peculiar scent you smelled."
"Most people don't have my keen sense of smell..."
After some thought, Glynn asked, "Besides staying away, are there other ways to deal with it?"
Qyburn shook his head and said, "The Citadel's records are scarce. They are very mysterious, and mystery represents the unknown, and the unknown equals danger. Staying away is the best option."
Glynn tapped the armrest of his chair with his fingers and said, "Caught in a vortex, many times one cannot make the best choice."
Qyburn glanced at Lady Forlorn at Glynn's waist, smiled slightly, and said, "Perhaps a Valyrian steel sword can solve most of your problems."
"Very well."
Glynn rose from his chair and said, "Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Qyburn."
Qyburn smiled, bowed, then picked up his small wooden box and turned to leave.
Glynn walked to the window and pushed open the shutters.
Outside the window, the bright moon hung high, casting silver light. Raindrops quietly fell; the night rain came suddenly, and the water merged, sliding down like invisible threads, intertwining with the bright moon and stars, mysterious and beautiful.
"It's raining?"
Tyrion climbed down from the chair and stood beside Glynn, looking out the window together.
After admiring it for a while, Tyrion looked up at the person beside him: "Glynn, my big head understood your secret 'deal' with Qyburn. What now?"
He grinned: "You once told me that knowing too much can also be a cause of death."
Glynn smiled and said, "Tyrion, why don't you use your wisdom to help me, help yourself, and come up with a good plan. When we return to King's Landing, Queen Cersei will want me to arrest you. What should I do with you then?"
Tyrion's smile froze. He scratched his hair and said, "Oh! Cersei! Jaime's condition makes me feel very unreliable."
Glynn looked down at Tyrion: "Do you have a good idea yet?"
Tyrion gazed at the night rain for a while and said, "The obedient son plans to have a good talk with the kind father."
Glynn's brown eyes moved slightly. He thought of something but didn't ask further.
The night rain came suddenly and left just as suddenly.
Tyrion grinned: "Too bad, I was hoping Jaime would get a good wash."
The next day, morning.
Glynn had just finished writing a letter at his desk when Brienne's voice came from outside the door: "My Lord, Maester Colmon requests an audience."
Glynn's eyebrows raised slightly. He put down his quill and replied, "Please, let him in."
Entering the room, Maester Colmon bowed cautiously: "Good day, Earl Crabb, please forgive my abrupt intrusion."
"Good day, please sit."
Maester Colmon looked nervous after taking his seat. Glynn leaned back in his chair, watching quietly, patiently waiting for the man before him to speak.
After a moment of silence, Maester Colmon secretly swallowed and respectfully said, "Esteemed Earl Crabb, I am here for Lord Arryn."
"Lord Arryn?"
Maester Colmon nodded and said, "In a few days, Lord Arryn will enter King's Landing. I... I..."
He licked his lips: "Lord Crabb, I beg you, can you tell me if the King will treat Lord Arryn kindly?"
Maester Colmon was very uneasy, his eyes filled with pleading.
Glynn did not answer immediately but ordered someone to bring two glasses of wine.
After a while, once Maester Colmon had taken a large gulp of wine, Glynn finally spoke: "Maester Colmon, tell me, what are you worried about?"
Maester Colmon's Adam's apple bobbed. He said, "In Duskendale, one hears many rumors from King's Landing. There are rumors that the King... dislikes... guilty people... I am very worried..."
Glynn did not answer directly but asked him, "I heard in the Eyrie that Lord Arryn used to love watching people fly? Is this true, Maester Colmon?"
Maester Colmon was stunned for a moment. He opened his mouth but couldn't say anything.
After a pause, Glynn added, "The Battle of the Vale is over. Once Lord Arryn is handed over to the Red Keep, the task the King gave me will be finished. Maester Colmon, I only guarantee that until then, Lord Arryn is safe."
...Five days later, in the evening, Glynn and his party camped by a small river, about ten miles north of King's Landing, beyond the Steel Gate.
------------------------
I've posted 70+ chapters in advance on Patreon.
Webnovel updates will still be daily, as usual.
It might not seem tempting right nobut who knows what the future holds?
[email protected]/TripleCrown
"And If you're enjoying it, drop a Power Stone for me!"